Synod News
Stay connected with updates from the La Crosse Area Synod. From church leaders to congregational members, everyone is encouraged to sign-up.
Newsletter Archive - find previous Synod Updates & Synod Spotlights here
The Real Story on Diet Soda: Separating Fact from Fiction
Many people choose diet soda as a seemingly healthier alternative to regular soda. While diet sodas do not contain sugar or calories, emerging research indicates that their artificial sweeteners may have unintended health effects.
Synod Spotlight: Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan Next President of LSTC
It is with deep gratitude and great joy that we write to share the news that the Board of Directors has affirmed the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan as the next President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Synod Spotlight: The Little Church with the Big Heart
Generations have celebrated life’s sacred moments here—baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and farewells—within the walls of the "Little Church with the Big Heart."
Assembly Approves Motion to Increase Youth and Young Adult Representation
At the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the voting body approved “Motion D” with 530 votes in favor and 236 opposed, amending bylaw 5.01.E19 to raise the ELCA’s percentage goal for youth and young adult voting membership on the Churchwide Assembly, Church Council, and churchwide boards and committees from 10% to 20%.
2025 Churchwide Assembly 2025 Videos: Business, Leadership, and Vision
Explore key moments from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, including Bishop Hutterer’s welcome, the election of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, and reports from ELCA leadership. Watch highlights, theme videos, and special award presentations, all from this year’s historic gathering in Phoenix.
Churchwide Ministries Share Impact and Invitation at 2025 Churchwide Assembly
Discover how your offering fuels life-changing ministry in the ELCA and around the world. From chaplaincy and disaster response to global partnerships and Portico benefits, these short videos highlight God’s work through our church.
2025 Churchwide Assembly Sermons Reflect Global and Local Faith Voices
Watch the powerful sermons preached at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, including messages from Presiding Bishop Eaton, Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, and global ecumenical leaders. Each message speaks to our calling as church—for the life of the world.
Synod Spotlight: Community Vacation Bible School
The beauty of this ministry lies in how each hosting congregation contributes its unique gifts, skills, and resources each year. When combined, these offerings create a life-giving outreach ministry that benefits the children, the community, and the involved volunteers.
Prayers for the Week
Let us join together as a community in prayer for ministry sites, emerging leaders, pastors, partners in ministry and special requests.
Meeting with the Sheriff
How do we ensure that everyone in our county - including immigrants- can seek help without fear of detention or deportation?
The Rev. Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
The Rev. Yehiel Curry elected the next Presiding Bishop of the ELCA at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
August is Healthy Wellness Month
This special month is a reminder that true wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also the mind, relationships, and connection with our environment.
Bishop Eaton Statement Message on Johnson Amendment Preserving Religious Freedom
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message addressing the Johnson Amendment & Preserving Religious Freedom
Bishop Eaton Statement on the Attack on Holy Family Church in Gaza
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In her message, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community.
Bishop Eaton Statement on OBBBA's Passage
Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The message reads in part: "The scope of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is generation-defining and life-altering for many, with provisions that will harm the well-being of local communities and the lives of many individuals for decades to come."
2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets under the theme “For the Life of the World”
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather, July 28–Aug. 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Meeting under the theme “For the Life of the World,” the assembly will participate in plenary discussions to make decisions about the work of this church. They will also spend time in worship and engage in various ways of theological reflection.
From the Director for Evangelical Mission / Assistant to the Bishop
A year in review with Pastor Dione Stepanek and her work as the Director for Evangelical Mission.
LEAD – Leading the Way!
Over the past two summers, our LEAD program (Leaders Engaged as Disciples) has been empowering high school students to become confident, faith-filled leaders! This 4-week adventure offers hands-on experience in camp roles, from assisting with day camps to shadowing counselors.
Pastoral Message from Bishop Malpica
If you have personally experienced or been witness to any abuse or misconduct by ELCA Clergy, please notify the Synod Office (office@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608-788-5000) and ask for an appointment with the Bishop.
We strive to respond to these situations as quickly as possible, offering care and support to victims and holding clergy accountable.
ELCA & Synod Partnership News
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Advocacy- ELCA
Sharing stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues.
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Churches for Middle East Peace
(CMEP)
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ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
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Faith Lens- ELCA
Weekly Bible studies that connect world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
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Living Lutheran
ELCA Publication of inspirational stories, blogs and photos.
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LuMin
Lutheran Campus Ministry
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Luther Park Bible Camp
Nurturing Faith through Holy Play
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Lutheran Men in Mission
LMM Foundations is a quarterly newsletter.
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Lutheran World Federation
A global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world.
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Lutheran World Relief
(LWR)
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Sugar Creek Bible Camp
(SCBC)
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Sumud- ELCA
Sign up to receive action alerts about the Middle East
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WELCA Synod News
The Crosswinds is published in Spring & Fall
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Wisconsin Council of Churches
(WCC)